Bridgewater BOE Meeting 3/17/2026

The Bridgewater Board of Education held a meeting on March 17, 2026, primarily focused on the presentation and discussion of the tentative 2026-2027 budget. The budget presentation highlighted key areas such as salaries, health benefits, transportation, and maintenance, noting inflationary pressures and a proposed 3.04% tax levy increase. The board discussed staffing adjustments, including a net reduction of 17 positions due to declining enrollment, and capital projects like roof replacements and facility improvements. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the proposed elimination of the Academically Independent (AI) program, a gifted and talented education initiative, which sparked extensive public comment and debate. Many community members and students expressed concern about the program's discontinuation, emphasizing its academic value and impact on student engagement. The administration explained the transition to a schoolwide enrichment model intended to serve a broader student population, though some board members and public speakers questioned whether this would adequately replace AI. The board also reviewed and approved various personnel and policy items, including amendments to nepotism policies. No final budget approval occurred, as the tentative budget will undergo further review and a public hearing in April. The meeting concluded with plans for continued discussion on academic programs and budget matters at future sessions.